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STONEWATER PROPOSALS FOR PARKER PEN SITE APPROVED

Stonewater, one of the UK’s leading housing associations, has announced that planning permission has been granted for its proposals for the former Parker Pen factory site off Railway Road in Newhaven.

The proposals will transform the former factory site into 145 affordable homes in a range of styles and sizes – from one-bedroom flats up to four-bedroom houses. The plans also include scenic landscaping, upgrading the existing play area, as well as public open space.

Stonewater unveiled its proposals to the community at a public exhibition in July 2018, and asked locals to give ideas on what public art could be included in the development. The well-attended exhibition provided feedback that will help to develop a scheme which benefits residents and enhances the local area.

Stonewater’s proposals for an entirely affordable housing scheme will not only contribute to the Lewes District Council’s target of building between 460-520 homes per year, but will provide the much-needed homes (including affordable rent, rent to buy and shared ownership), upgrades to the children’s play area, and public open space. There will also be a public access through the site to Eastside Park.

Stonewater is an ambitious housing provider with a mission to deliver quality affordable homes to people who need them most. Managing 32,000 homes for over 65,000 customers, Stonewater is driven by its vision for everyone to have the opportunity to have a place that they can call home.

Marie Riordan, Stonewater’s Regional Development Manager said: “We are delighted that Lewes District Council has approved our planning application and can’t wait to bring this landmark site back into use. This is our first development in Newhaven, and we are determined to make it one that complements Newhaven.

“The scheme will include new public art that reflects the artistic community of Newhaven and we are keen to hear ideas from local artists and the public on what this art could include.”

The land was home to the Parker Pen factory until its closure in 2010 and subsequent demolition. The brownfield site was then granted outline planning permission by Lewes District Council in November 2015, which established the principle of residential development, as well as the access, layout and scale.